en.Wedoany.com Reported - Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) have partnered with Stadler to develop and maintain eight FLIRT intercity train sets, a project that introduces tri-mode propulsion technology to the 180-kilometer cross-border rail corridor, with plans to replace aging rolling stock by 2030.
With the Enterprise rail service—connecting the two capitals, Dublin and Belfast—facing growing passenger demand and the approaching end of the current fleet's operational life, IÉ and NIR required a solution capable of adapting to different power systems and non-electrified sections. Stadler was selected to provide purpose-built rolling stock along with a comprehensive 15-year maintenance support package, including technical oversight and engineering services to ensure fleet availability.
The 200-meter-long FLIRT intercity train sets feature a modular tri-mode propulsion system designed for seamless switching between power sources: battery power for zero-emission operation within the Belfast metropolitan area; diesel-electric for traction on non-electrified sections between the border and Drogheda; and electric traction configured for the 1500V DC overhead catenary from Drogheda to Dublin. Forward-looking measures enable the fleet to transition to dual electric-battery operation, with the architecture supporting the 1500V DC traction system in the southern section and, as electrification infrastructure expands, a 25kV AC system in the northern section. This technical flexibility aligns with the net-zero strategies of both jurisdictions.
Implementation involves an investment of £548 million (€698 million), supported by the PEACEPLUS programme. Stadler's role extends beyond manufacturing to include a 15-year maintenance contract covering spare parts supply and technical support, staff training for IÉ and NIR personnel, and engineering services for monitoring system performance and reliability. Integration with existing infrastructure requires these 407-seat trains to feature accessible boarding and interior design, standardized for cross-border compatibility.
The deployment reduces travel time between Dublin and Belfast to under two hours. The efficiency and reliability improvements of the tri-mode system enable an expansion of service frequency, increasing from current levels to 16 daily departures in each direction. By utilizing battery and electric propulsion where infrastructure permits, the partnership lowers carbon intensity per passenger kilometer. Transitions between power modes are managed by onboard control systems, requiring no stops or manual intervention, thereby maintaining process stability and operational continuity across two distinct railway networks.
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